Anemic meaning

Normally low hemoglobin counts A slightly low hemoglobin count isn't always a sign of illness — it can be normal for some people. Women with menstrual periods and pregnant women commonly have low hemoglobin counts. Low hemoglobin counts associated with diseases and conditions A low hemoglobin count can be associated with a disease or condition that causes your body to have too few red blood cells. This can occur if: • Your body produces fewer red blood cells than usual • Your body destroys red blood cells faster than they can be produced • You have blood loss Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal include: • • • Certain medications, such as antiretroviral drugs for HIV infection and chemotherapy drugs for cancer and other conditions • • • • • • • • • • • • • Diseases and conditions that cause your body to destroy red blood cells faster than they can be made include: • • Hemolysis • • • A low hemoglobin count can also be due to blood loss, which can occur because of: • Bleeding in your digestive tract, such as from ulcers, cancers or hemorrhoids • Frequent blood donation •